ReachBack is a free community help desk for construction professionals run by Built Intelligence. A library of high-quality questions from real users with answers delivered and curated by industry experts.

A client has received multiple clause 34.1 deferments, in total postponing work for close on 1 yr. Each time the proposed recommencement date given in the instruction has been within 13 weeks but not transpired. This time it is 15+ weeks. When does the recommencement instruction have to be given? - At the same time as the deferment? Under 91.6 some suggest it has to be at the same time otherwise, as here, an Employer can deferment works with impunity in 13 week slices.

1 Answer

0 votes

The instruction to stop, or not to start, any work is given by the Project Manager and should be accompanied with details of the reasons why the instruction is given, not least to allow the consequent procedures under the contract to be administered correctly, including the CE procedure under clause 60.1 (4).

The PM should also state assumptions which can be used to price the associated CE quotation, including; length of postponement, measures to be taken during this time to secure the works, retention of 'key resources' etc.

Under clause 91.6 you have the right to notify termination, although only where an instruction to 're-start' any works is not given within 13 weeks. This also only applies to 'substantial' or 'all' work, so may not actually apply.

It looks like you need clarity on the intention, not least to plan how you are going to Provide the Works under these circumstances. I would suggest notifying an early warning to facilitate discussions, not least to make clear what the impact is likely to be on Defined Cost with all the disrupted progress.